My name is Patty Edwards and I am asking Beaver Creek residents for their support in my bid to represent our community on the regional district board.

This is a position that I held from 1996–2011 and during those 15 years of service I worked hard to keep property taxes from increasing.

I have 25 years of experience in the Alberni Valley working on community development and social justice issues. I have held the position of poverty law advocate at various non-profit agencies including the women’s centre, Friendship Centre and the New Horizon Centre.

The Beaver Creek community is experiencing a major transition from an improvement district water system to a regional water service and the costs of this transition are high. There is public concern about the quality and source of their water.

Rising costs for the water system come at a time when food and utility costs are projected to increase by 30 per cent in the next few years.

At this time more than ever it is time for restraint and it is time for the community to come together to find creative ways to enhance our rural lifestyle without just throwing money at a problem. The old way of “barn raising” where citizens come together to share their skills for a common vision was also a method of building a strong community.

Beaver Creek is a diverse community of residential, farmland and home based businesses. Maintaining the rural lifestyle we all enjoy requires a shared vision of a healthy community. I commit to being a strong voice for Beaver Creek at the ACRD board to get the most for our tax dollars and to ensure that the quality of services is maintained.